Slightly underwhelmed
Discussion
I went on Thursday, first time despite being local, primarily for a recce as American friends want to do the entire weekend next year.
Plus points: being able to wander around, actually getting close to cars, some of which weren't getting any attention in favour of identical white Ford Fiesta/Focus/I got one of those mate innit types, so few children, and am sure the GAS arena woud have been good had they actually done it. Would go back to see the hill climb in action and the rally stage.
Negatives: felt vastly corporate, almost clinical compared to the wider Goodwood garden party feeing of old, lots of empty slots or covered cars, those there with owners/drivers/crew around them didn't seem to be overy welcoming of the public, many of the same thing, the number of cars on the rally stage practice didn't match the number in their paddock which was a pity as people were bothering to walk up in the mud and rain, overpriced drinks (like every other event in this country but £2.20 for a tea?!) tradestands/aviation sides were a bit meh too. On a personal note, I had hoped Porsche would have got the number two car there by Thursday, unless I missed it.
Goodwood has gone down the greed route across the estate (don't get me started on the Three Friday Nights evening racing, it's now clubbing meets TOWIE meets the odd racehorse. Used to be one of the nicest evening events you could ever do) and it's a pity as there arn't many places that manage to do what they achieve. I was left uttery bemused by the onsite survey people though - I don't have a valid driving licence at the moment so I wasn't able to offer any feedback on the event. Happy to take my money but the survey/feedback was inaccessible. Go figure.
Plus points: being able to wander around, actually getting close to cars, some of which weren't getting any attention in favour of identical white Ford Fiesta/Focus/I got one of those mate innit types, so few children, and am sure the GAS arena woud have been good had they actually done it. Would go back to see the hill climb in action and the rally stage.
Negatives: felt vastly corporate, almost clinical compared to the wider Goodwood garden party feeing of old, lots of empty slots or covered cars, those there with owners/drivers/crew around them didn't seem to be overy welcoming of the public, many of the same thing, the number of cars on the rally stage practice didn't match the number in their paddock which was a pity as people were bothering to walk up in the mud and rain, overpriced drinks (like every other event in this country but £2.20 for a tea?!) tradestands/aviation sides were a bit meh too. On a personal note, I had hoped Porsche would have got the number two car there by Thursday, unless I missed it.
Goodwood has gone down the greed route across the estate (don't get me started on the Three Friday Nights evening racing, it's now clubbing meets TOWIE meets the odd racehorse. Used to be one of the nicest evening events you could ever do) and it's a pity as there arn't many places that manage to do what they achieve. I was left uttery bemused by the onsite survey people though - I don't have a valid driving licence at the moment so I wasn't able to offer any feedback on the event. Happy to take my money but the survey/feedback was inaccessible. Go figure.
Edited by sussexbod on Saturday 25th June 18:24
I do wonder what people want / expect?
It's been like this for years. In fact this year has felt quieter than the last few plus there's been a bit less going on too, and someone being interviewed on the radio coverage (poss Lord March) said they were looking to reign it back in a little, which is fine by me.
Perhaps it's where you go. I saw few if any 'chavs' (amusing people complain it's a cash cow for the wealthy yet look down on others) and chatted to a few nice and knowledgeable people. I smiled and got smiles back from those in the car parks, serving food and so on. I peered inside most cars I wanted too, a mechanic showed me how Zanardi operates the car with the steering wheel, I met drivers and I nosed around the stands.
Sure some cars are covered on Thurs - it's not the FoS it's the MMS.
As for some Mercs being behind tape? They're priceless museum pieces and you can get closer to them here than anywhere else. The Brabham's look the same? They're Bernies and haven't been seen in public for many years. He seldom lets them out.
The F1 cars are always a zoo - that's what people want to see. I think the bikes are too squashed up and the paddock in general needs more space but I like it all being in one area now.
It's felt far more relaxing than last year for me and that's made it enjoyable.
It's an expensive event but there's nothing like it on the planet. I can only imagine how much it costs to get cars and drivers to appear, much less insure the event. We're spoiled by it. The food and drink is always pricey, it's an event. You know you can take your own food in instead right?
And the drifting has been a good and fun addition and I like how they're getting BTCC in for the shoot out to make it exciting. They're trying things to give it fresh impetus.
It's been like this for years. In fact this year has felt quieter than the last few plus there's been a bit less going on too, and someone being interviewed on the radio coverage (poss Lord March) said they were looking to reign it back in a little, which is fine by me.
Perhaps it's where you go. I saw few if any 'chavs' (amusing people complain it's a cash cow for the wealthy yet look down on others) and chatted to a few nice and knowledgeable people. I smiled and got smiles back from those in the car parks, serving food and so on. I peered inside most cars I wanted too, a mechanic showed me how Zanardi operates the car with the steering wheel, I met drivers and I nosed around the stands.
Sure some cars are covered on Thurs - it's not the FoS it's the MMS.
As for some Mercs being behind tape? They're priceless museum pieces and you can get closer to them here than anywhere else. The Brabham's look the same? They're Bernies and haven't been seen in public for many years. He seldom lets them out.
The F1 cars are always a zoo - that's what people want to see. I think the bikes are too squashed up and the paddock in general needs more space but I like it all being in one area now.
It's felt far more relaxing than last year for me and that's made it enjoyable.
It's an expensive event but there's nothing like it on the planet. I can only imagine how much it costs to get cars and drivers to appear, much less insure the event. We're spoiled by it. The food and drink is always pricey, it's an event. You know you can take your own food in instead right?
And the drifting has been a good and fun addition and I like how they're getting BTCC in for the shoot out to make it exciting. They're trying things to give it fresh impetus.
mickk said:
wotnot said:
I've never had my credit card taken away in any eatery anywhere in the world before! Talk about making you feel like the great unwashed...
Really?That's terrible and you should have refused. They don't even do that in the local Indian when 6 boozed up blokes turn up.
The waitress came across while I was waiting for my order and said it was 'to hold my table'. I said it's obviously so we can't do a runner (my wife and I are both in our 50s, we wouldn't have run far) and she just smiled. In return for my card I got a purple key. The card came back with the bill.
If I'm honest, this was probably my last year for a while. Like others here, I really thought there was something intangible but noticeable that was missing this year. Hopefully his Lordship will catch the mood and make some changes. I won't hold my breath though.
wotnot said:
Yeah, really.
The waitress came across while I was waiting for my order and said it was 'to hold my table'. I said it's obviously so we can't do a runner (my wife and I are both in our 50s, we wouldn't have run far) and she just smiled. In return for my card I got a purple key. The card came back with the bill.
If I'm honest, this was probably my last year for a while. Like others here, I really thought there was something intangible but noticeable that was missing this year. Hopefully his Lordship will catch the mood and make some changes. I won't hold my breath though.
Just the situation you need with contactless card payments. An extra twenty quid here and there, good way of making up the tips. The waitress came across while I was waiting for my order and said it was 'to hold my table'. I said it's obviously so we can't do a runner (my wife and I are both in our 50s, we wouldn't have run far) and she just smiled. In return for my card I got a purple key. The card came back with the bill.
If I'm honest, this was probably my last year for a while. Like others here, I really thought there was something intangible but noticeable that was missing this year. Hopefully his Lordship will catch the mood and make some changes. I won't hold my breath though.
mistakenplane said:
It's an expensive event but there's nothing like it on the planet. I can only imagine how much it costs to get cars and drivers to appear, much less insure the event. We're spoiled by it. The food and drink is always pricey, it's an event. You know you can take your own food in instead right?
There is simply no excuse for £2.20 for a cup of tea though, at whatever event you're at! I've been attending various Goodwood events for years, have friends who have worked for the estate and am very aware of much its presence in the area divides opinion. Given its history however and what it was originally all about, plus friends who say it has changed so much, you can't help but wonder if the paying general public and the genuine enthusiasts are being overlooked in favour of the corporate feel. Then again, I've said the same about Twickenham in recent months!
As I said I'd love to go back on a proper FoS day as I can appreciate how much goes into the whole event
Edited by sussexbod on Saturday 25th June 23:12
C.A.R. said:
FoS is an event I attend with my father every-other year and have been in attendance at 4 events separated by a year if that makes sense.
Each time we have attended, with this year being most prevalent, the event seems to distance itself from the regular petrolhead. I can appreciate the ticket costs are only ever going to go one way for future events, but the whole layout and content on the day seems to increasingly cater specifically for the 't
ts in tweed' brigade or appears very corporate.
Historically there has always been a presence of these features where your average punter isn't allowed in because you're not part of the gang (club) but these different areas now seem to dominate. The food, which some people will claim to have improved I'm sure, wasn't what you'd expect at a "motorsport" event. I eventually found a bacon roll, but had to wade through endless streams of different cuisine to get to it. Historically there was a bacon roll van in the car park before you even entered the gates!
It left me feeling cold, but perhaps as the event has evolved I have distanced from the target audience. An event which no longer accommodates your common petrolhead, but more of a corporate event to demonstrate wealth and "oh look, there's another car, wasn't that loud, now where can I get a posh sit-down meal?..."
I wasn't "bitterly" disappointed, but I think in future I'll spend my money going to see some proper motorsport rather than go to the expense of seeing FoS again.
First time I've been in 19 years. Completely disagree with what you're saying. Met Alex Zanardi (legend) and Ricardo Patresse in the paddock which will never happen at the GP if you have a normal ticket. Each time we have attended, with this year being most prevalent, the event seems to distance itself from the regular petrolhead. I can appreciate the ticket costs are only ever going to go one way for future events, but the whole layout and content on the day seems to increasingly cater specifically for the 't
ts in tweed' brigade or appears very corporate. Historically there has always been a presence of these features where your average punter isn't allowed in because you're not part of the gang (club) but these different areas now seem to dominate. The food, which some people will claim to have improved I'm sure, wasn't what you'd expect at a "motorsport" event. I eventually found a bacon roll, but had to wade through endless streams of different cuisine to get to it. Historically there was a bacon roll van in the car park before you even entered the gates!
It left me feeling cold, but perhaps as the event has evolved I have distanced from the target audience. An event which no longer accommodates your common petrolhead, but more of a corporate event to demonstrate wealth and "oh look, there's another car, wasn't that loud, now where can I get a posh sit-down meal?..."
I wasn't "bitterly" disappointed, but I think in future I'll spend my money going to see some proper motorsport rather than go to the expense of seeing FoS again.
I enjoyed it as always but it needs a shake up.
I was in the paddocks bang on 7am on Friday and it was lovely, a bit like wandering the paddock at the Members Meeting. Very, very quiet aside from a few other early morning enthusiasts absorbing all the (uncovered) cars. As its so quiet I managed to do the entire paddock by 9am quite comfortably.
I then headed to the final open section of the hill and had an entire section almost to myself for an hour, it got a bit busier for the F1 cars and Supercars but nothing like further down the hill.
I've followed the same schedule for about 8 years now since Friday's were free via Sunday Times giveaways and it's never let me down, the closest thing to a quiet relaxing FoS whilst seeing every car both static and moving as it's possible to do.
My main issue was with the hillclimb batches, which in essence were the same as they've been for quite a few years now. I said it last year and I'll say it again, I wish they would significantly shake up at least one or two batches each year. I would love to see a 'Classic Supercar' batch for example, I'm sure with their contacts they could easily get a beautiful collection through the ages on the hill, 250 GTO, F40, Veyron, F1, XJ220, CLK GTR, Zonda etc. There are so many themes they could explore, the Members Meeting has done this quite successfully.
I was in the paddocks bang on 7am on Friday and it was lovely, a bit like wandering the paddock at the Members Meeting. Very, very quiet aside from a few other early morning enthusiasts absorbing all the (uncovered) cars. As its so quiet I managed to do the entire paddock by 9am quite comfortably.
I then headed to the final open section of the hill and had an entire section almost to myself for an hour, it got a bit busier for the F1 cars and Supercars but nothing like further down the hill.
I've followed the same schedule for about 8 years now since Friday's were free via Sunday Times giveaways and it's never let me down, the closest thing to a quiet relaxing FoS whilst seeing every car both static and moving as it's possible to do.
My main issue was with the hillclimb batches, which in essence were the same as they've been for quite a few years now. I said it last year and I'll say it again, I wish they would significantly shake up at least one or two batches each year. I would love to see a 'Classic Supercar' batch for example, I'm sure with their contacts they could easily get a beautiful collection through the ages on the hill, 250 GTO, F40, Veyron, F1, XJ220, CLK GTR, Zonda etc. There are so many themes they could explore, the Members Meeting has done this quite successfully.
Edited by ukaskew on Sunday 26th June 05:56
First time attendee to this event, had no real expectations other than having watched the youtube channel in part over the years. To qualify I've been to many motorsport events, including multiple grand prix's.
Positives: The corporate stands were amazing, general number of areas to watch the hill climb, overall layout and mobility across the event. Excellent variety of cars, but these seem to be repeated over the days. The Cartier section was great.
Negatives: Ridiculous queuing and route into the park resulting in shy on an 1.5hr delay to get in, this was at 7:30am in the locale FFS! Too many people, they should drop the numbers by a third at least (recognise this is likely not commercially viable) - come lunch time you could barely move across the event. Lack of raw petrolhead attendance, such a mixed bag of random attendees, clearly some who saw it as an opportunity to showboat their wardrobe, great move in the mud! Too many little $hits (kids) pushing, shoving and fingering the cars - grrr! Car park (M) - Great idea to park many vehicles at the bottom of a steep hill and assume this is a suitable exit route...needless to say, getting out in the churned up mud to push the car up the hill was a particular low light. The staff in the car park - absolutely awful unhelpful attitude, more worried about the ground than their customers (I get why)!
As an overall experience I agree with the sentiment in this thread, its not something I'd repeat.
Positives: The corporate stands were amazing, general number of areas to watch the hill climb, overall layout and mobility across the event. Excellent variety of cars, but these seem to be repeated over the days. The Cartier section was great.
Negatives: Ridiculous queuing and route into the park resulting in shy on an 1.5hr delay to get in, this was at 7:30am in the locale FFS! Too many people, they should drop the numbers by a third at least (recognise this is likely not commercially viable) - come lunch time you could barely move across the event. Lack of raw petrolhead attendance, such a mixed bag of random attendees, clearly some who saw it as an opportunity to showboat their wardrobe, great move in the mud! Too many little $hits (kids) pushing, shoving and fingering the cars - grrr! Car park (M) - Great idea to park many vehicles at the bottom of a steep hill and assume this is a suitable exit route...needless to say, getting out in the churned up mud to push the car up the hill was a particular low light. The staff in the car park - absolutely awful unhelpful attitude, more worried about the ground than their customers (I get why)!
As an overall experience I agree with the sentiment in this thread, its not something I'd repeat.
My first time there yesterday and not sure what to make of it really. The weather didn't help, but was very busy and quite difficult to wonder around with a buggy (not their fault).
My son loved seeing the cars race past and I have to say Vauxhall had the best stand. There was so much there to keep kids entertained. The little Vauxhall Adams were very good and kept my son busy for a good 30 mins!
My son loved seeing the cars race past and I have to say Vauxhall had the best stand. There was so much there to keep kids entertained. The little Vauxhall Adams were very good and kept my son busy for a good 30 mins!
I first attended in 1994 (I missed the first as I didn't know it was on - it was so low key). I have been to many since but the last time I attended was about five or six years ago. There is no doubt that it has grown beyond anything anybody, including Lord March, could have envisaged 23 years ago.
Based on what people are saying, I think the only way I would go in future would be to use the camp site and attend for the whole weekend - walking in at my leisure.
Based on what people are saying, I think the only way I would go in future would be to use the camp site and attend for the whole weekend - walking in at my leisure.
Eric Mc said:
I first attended in 1994 (I missed the first as I didn't know it was on - it was so low key). I have been to many since but the last time I attended was about five or six years ago. There is no doubt that it has grown beyond anything anybody, including Lord March, could have envisaged 23 years ago.
Based on what people are saying, I think the only way I would go in future would be to use the camp site and attend for the whole weekend - walking in at my leisure.
I think that's what I would plan to do next time. I also think it's good to have the odd year off here and there. I much prefer the revival and members meetings these days. Based on what people are saying, I think the only way I would go in future would be to use the camp site and attend for the whole weekend - walking in at my leisure.
ecsrobin said:
Eric Mc said:
I first attended in 1994 (I missed the first as I didn't know it was on - it was so low key). I have been to many since but the last time I attended was about five or six years ago. There is no doubt that it has grown beyond anything anybody, including Lord March, could have envisaged 23 years ago.
Based on what people are saying, I think the only way I would go in future would be to use the camp site and attend for the whole weekend - walking in at my leisure.
I think that's what I would plan to do next time. I also think it's good to have the odd year off here and there. I much prefer the revival and members meetings these days. Based on what people are saying, I think the only way I would go in future would be to use the camp site and attend for the whole weekend - walking in at my leisure.
ecsrobin said:
I'm not sure about your comments about raw petrolhead attendance. We don't want a fordfest vibe at Goodwood thank you!!
My parents took me to the 2nd festival of speed over 20years ago. They weren't petrolheads but them taking me to Goodwood each year turned me into one!
Sure, but then what attendees does Goodwood want? Had I realised it was a family day out, I wouldnt have bothered in the first place!My parents took me to the 2nd festival of speed over 20years ago. They weren't petrolheads but them taking me to Goodwood each year turned me into one!
Traffic was definitely worse this year. Never known it so bad. Can only assume it's a combination of some rat runs being closed and weather causing car park entry points to be inaccessible.
Saturday it took me 2hrs to do the 25 min journey from where I was staying. Today I left just after 6 and still only got in at 7.
Saturday it took me 2hrs to do the 25 min journey from where I was staying. Today I left just after 6 and still only got in at 7.
Watching the live feed, having attended yesterday. Jennie Gow just interviewed random thirtysomething punter with plethora of sponsor passes round his neck at drivers' club entrance asking which autographs he'd collected.
"Keanu Reeves. And, that gentleman that's just gone."
"That's Jason Plato."
"And I've got, what was it, Bell? The other guy? He's not Formula 1 but..."
Still enjoyed yesterday though. Been every year since 2003. Yes, it's 'samey', and I prefer the atmosphere at the Members' Meeting but I do enjoy FoS.
"Keanu Reeves. And, that gentleman that's just gone."
"That's Jason Plato."
"And I've got, what was it, Bell? The other guy? He's not Formula 1 but..."
Still enjoyed yesterday though. Been every year since 2003. Yes, it's 'samey', and I prefer the atmosphere at the Members' Meeting but I do enjoy FoS.
wotnot said:
Yeah, really.
The waitress came across while I was waiting for my order and said it was 'to hold my table'. I said it's obviously so we can't do a runner (my wife and I are both in our 50s, we wouldn't have run far) and she just smiled. In return for my card I got a purple key. The card came back with the bill.
If I'm honest, this was probably my last year for a while. Like others here, I really thought there was something intangible but noticeable that was missing this year. Hopefully his Lordship will catch the mood and make some changes. I won't hold my breath though.
That's pretty standard practice in many bars / hotels.The waitress came across while I was waiting for my order and said it was 'to hold my table'. I said it's obviously so we can't do a runner (my wife and I are both in our 50s, we wouldn't have run far) and she just smiled. In return for my card I got a purple key. The card came back with the bill.
If I'm honest, this was probably my last year for a while. Like others here, I really thought there was something intangible but noticeable that was missing this year. Hopefully his Lordship will catch the mood and make some changes. I won't hold my breath though.
I use the Hilton in Bristol for coffee meetings - they take my card, put it in a locker, and give me a plastic 'tab' key.
Traffic was awful this year - my favourite rat run round the back is now shut which meant it took me 2 hours to go about 3 miles.
I do agree with others about something being missing this year, though I personally feel that it was the weather/mud that did it - made it feel different as I always associate it with baking sun and dust!
I also agree that it needs to be mixed up as it's really the same stuff each year. Would love to see stuff like the F40, Zondas etc taking on the hill properly. What grated on me was the extra grandstands further up the hill - as someone who hadn't got a grandstand ticket the best views were taken away
I do agree with others about something being missing this year, though I personally feel that it was the weather/mud that did it - made it feel different as I always associate it with baking sun and dust!
I also agree that it needs to be mixed up as it's really the same stuff each year. Would love to see stuff like the F40, Zondas etc taking on the hill properly. What grated on me was the extra grandstands further up the hill - as someone who hadn't got a grandstand ticket the best views were taken away
Gassing Station | Goodwood Events | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff